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Open Government Program

Implicit in the democratic process is the notion that government should
be accountable for its actions. In order to verify accountability, individuals
must have access to government files. Such access permits checks against
the arbitrary exercise of official power and secrecy in the political
process.

 California Supreme Court

The Open Government Program in the City Attorney's Office is designed to ensure
that the citizens of Oakland have full access to information about their
city and that the business of city government is conducted in the light
of day.

Open Government Guide:

Guía En Español:

Open Government Program: Supporting Legislation

Brown Act

The California State Legislature adopted the Ralph
M. Brown Act in 1953. By adopting the Act, the Legislature found and
declared that public commissions, boards, councils and other local public
agencies in the state exist to aid in the conduct of the peoples
business. The intent was that actions taken would be taken openly, and
that deliberations held would be held openly as well.

California Public Records Act

The California State Legislature adopted the Public
Records Act (click on California
Law, Government Code, Sections 6250 - 6277) in 1975 and included all
records of the state and local agencies written on or after January 6
of that year. The Public Records Act is designed to give the public access
to information in possession of public agencies. The Act also provides
that public records shall be open for inspection during regular office
hours of the agency. The public can inspect any record unless the record
is exempted from disclosure under the Act, and the agency bears the burden
of justifying why the records cannot be disclosed and is responsible for
required redactions.

Sunshine Ordinance

The Oakland City Council adopted the Sunshine
Ordinance (Title 2, Chapter 2.20) in 1997 as a declaration that it
is a government's duty to serve the public, and in reaching its decisions,
to accommodate those who wish to obtain information about or participate
in the process. The ordinance is intended to assure that the deliberations
of commissions, boards, councils, advisory bodies and other agencies of
the City and the Citys operations are open to the public. (Ord.
11957 § 00.1)